Isuzu 3 towers - Day 1

[stewie911]

Seriously, wtf. That's half the Col du Tourmalet on a mtb

[Boesman Benson]

Stevie, you moaning or bragging. Did the event last year. It was brilliant!!

 

We are going to Mankele this coming weekend to go and to some back to back proper hill training.

[stewie911]

Not bragging. Not moaning either. Just saying that it's one hellova climb. Will have to start training for that beast

[Ovenboi]

Looks like we're going to be busy ! Hoping for good weather

[JarradVZ]

Yeah, did it last year. It was around 800m of ascent in the 1st 14km of stage 1. Tough race, but a good one.

[Tieffels]

Anyone looking for a partner?

[BigGuy]

That climb is just nasty. Make no mistake. Last year I tackled it with my normal "gauteng hill" pace, without food and water. I did not even have breakfast. Why take food and water if there is a water point at the top? Stupid stupid mistake. I was seriously depleted when I got to the top and had cramps all the way to the finish.

 

A few things that I learned on that long weekend:

 

- If you weigh > 100kg you cannot "dice" anyone to the top of the first climb, unless you can put out around 2000W on the pedals, with a glucose drip attached to both arms.

 

- Eat a decent breakfast before every stage. You WILL need it.

 

- Eat and drink regularly, right from the start of the stage. Your recovery for the next day must start when you start to turn the pedals.

 

- If you are not a local, or do not visit the top of Breedt's Nek regularly, slacken your pace a bit and rather enjoy the splendid views.

 

- Wear sunscreen.

[JarradVZ]

Oh, and that last bump called "Pain" - well just wait and see.

[Ingo]

'Boesman' and I did it last year. All I can say is go slow to go fast. Remember, there are three towers but's it's a helluva nice race... :-)

 

Ingo

[Mr. Nature]

Don't worry, Mark and I don't just plot these route on a map, we actualy ride them out to see if its got the right flow. Believe me, I'm not the fittest - you will feel it, but you will enjoy it!!!!!

[Swift01]

Man up, ha ha........ Shall see you there :-)

 

Have to admist I am doing the shorter one though as I am testing my relationship with my girlfriend to it's limit, as this will be her first stage race having just started riding. Get through this one and I may have a winner on my hands :-D (and i get to sleep in a tent with her...)

[Ingo]

Here are some tips for Mankele after our weekend training camp (2 x Purple, 2 x Red and 1 x Green = +-4500m climb in 3 days)

 

1. Make sure you have proper MTB tires, lightweight race tires is a gamble.

2. Make sure you have good grip both front and back, the uphills will test rear traction and the downhills will test the front traction.

3. Don't try to chase your teammate down a steep slope, luckily there was a tree that stopped me from going over the edge - I can't say the same for my bike though... At least I got an applause from the guard at the gate.

4. Don't be surprised at how hot it can get - be prepared.

5. If you think it's slippery then it most probably is - be careful when it's wet.

6. Look around, you won't find better MTB terrain anywhere.

7. Don't shower too long, the warm water goes cold just when you have soap in your eyes.

 

Ingo.

[Swift01]

Sounds interesting. I don't think I will let the girlfriend know about the showers cause we will be coming in when it's cold already....

 

What tires were you guys using? Is there lots of loose stuff on the uphills?

[dirtrider]

Last year had 3 puntures , so like somebody already said , get decent tyres . I will try the Kenda Karma's this year . Last year all the downhills could be taken at full speed except the one past the caves . That was serious fun .

[Swift01]

Are the Kenda Karmas good on the dry and the wet?

[dirtrider]

I think so . Got them on my other bikes and they did the job at this years Sani2C . But some people compains about the sealant causing bubbles in the tyres. Mine still without bubbles .